her in her spirit form.” Anna’s mother stood before the other woman. She was just as translucent, although Anna’s mother had a golden aura surrounding her. “What is your name?” Jennifer asked softly. “My name is Olivia. I am very grateful you agreed to come see me. Your presence humbles me. I was hoping you could help me move on from this life? I made a mistake, and I do not wish to be left here for eternity.” “This is against regulations. You missed your opportunity. When death arrives you should not hold onto your old life.” “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let go at the time. The spirit walker explained the rules and I still refused to go. If I could turn back the hands of time I would. I allowed revenge to cloud my judgment.” “Tell me your story Olivia,” the spirit walker said gently. The girls listened in awe while the woman told the story of her life and how it ended at the hands of her husband. “I will take you. I believe you crossed paths with my daughter for this reason. Take my hand.” As the two women joined hands, they suddenly disappeared. “That was crazy cool.” Anna jumped up. “I’m so glad we could help her. Can you imagine being stuck in a house for generations? That would really suck.” “Let’s get out of here.” Keegan reached for the door and pulled. “You have to be kidding me! We are still locked in.” Keegan slammed her hand on the door. “Calm down Keegan. We have our phones, remember?” Lauren shook her head. “Who should we call?” Keegan turned to stare at them. “Who do we always call when we are in trouble?” Anna grinned. “Oh yeah, I’ll call my Aunt Katrina. She’ll love to be part of this.” Keegan dialed her aunt’s number. “Hey Kat, we’re in a bind.” “Have you girls been drinking?” Katrina asked wearily. “No, we haven’t been drinking.” Keegan chuckled. “We’re locked in a room at a haunted house.” “Do I dare ask how that happened? You don’t sound very scared so I take it you are ok?” “Yes, we’re fine. We’ll fill you in when you get here. It was actually pretty cool. You know the old Wilson’s house they set up every year? That’s where we are.” “Keegan, I really don’t know about you guys sometimes.” She sighed. “Just come in through the front door and go straight up the stairs. You’ll see a door at the end of the hallway.” They heard scratching on the door about fifteen minutes later. They huddled closer together again. “Bahahahaha I’m coming to get you my pretties.” They relaxed and laughed. Katrina was such a dork at times. The door swung open. “It wasn’t even locked. What is wrong with you girls?” Katrina put her flashlight under her chin and attempted to make a scary face. “I always have to bail you three out of trouble.” “We know you love it.” Keegan grinned. “Wait till you hear what happened…”
* * *
Read more about Keegan and her friends in Coexist . Look for Book 2 Conflicted coming in September 2011
Julia Crane writes young adult novels of elves, love, and destiny and the struggle between light and dark. She can most often be found at her home in Dubai hunched over her laptop with a two year old clinging upside down to her head. http://coexistjuliacrane.blogspot.com/
To Taste of Shimmering Revenge
Jack Wallen
England 1611 Castle of the King
The King’s daughter. Madrial. Her name was a lilting music on my vampiric tongue. I had longed to taste her pure, blue blood since her birth and now, at a time when my power seemed to know no bounds, I would have her. “Come to me my sweet. Have me. Drink of me.” Madrial’s sweet whisper entreated me to partake. The time had arrived…my destiny. From the branches of the tree I would devour the royal lineage until there was nothing left of the crown or throne. My hatred for the king was an intense fire ignited by his refusal to allow Madrial to be my bride.